Loom picker stick check



Oct. 7, 1958 P. J. SHIVELL 2,855,004

7 LOOM PICKER STICK CHECK Filed June 6, 1957 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 4o r v 54 gag 5A i w l n m, am 4 27 47 INVENTOR: I- Dump JSANELL.

' ATTORNEYs Oct. 7, 1958 P. J. SHIVELL 5 LOOM PICKE'R STICK CHECK Filed June 6, 1957 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR: Dump 0. SIJWELL BY .M+M1g;

ATTORNEYS P. J. HlVELL LOOM PICKER STICK CHECK Oct. 7, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 6, 1957 INVENTOR Pmup d- 5 W L ATTORNEYS 1 United States Patent O LOOM PICKER STIQK CHECK Philip J. Shivel], Kingsport, Tenn., assignor to Slip-Not Belting Corporation, Kingsport, Team, a corporation of Tennessee Application June 6, 1957,55erial No. 664,1(35 19 Claims. (Cl. 139-165) This invention relates to looms, and more especially, to an improved check strap for checking the movement of a picker stick, and an improved mounting means therefor.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved check strap which is mounted and constructed so as to move freely relative to its mounting or supporting means throughout a substantial part of each inward and outward stroke of the picker stick, along with the picker stick, so that improved uniform braking of the picker stick can be accomplished while at the same time permitting a relatively shorter check strap to be used than has heretofore been practical.

It is another object of this invention to provide an improved picker stick check comprising a check strap extending across the path of travel of the picker stick at two spaced points with portions of the check strap on both sides of the picker stick and wherein opposed portions of the check strap on one side of the picker stick are penetrated by a plurality of parallel rigidly supported elongated guide elements which guide the check strap to and fro in the direction of travel of the picker stick to thereby provide substantial stability to the check strap throughout movement thereof and prevent flopping, bending or twisting of the check strap during its operation.

It is still another object of this invention to provide a check strap and mounting of the character described wherein a suitable type of friction means or friction fingers may be provided for alining, supporting and applying friction to the check strap on one side of the picker stick and wherein the guide elements on the other side of the picker stick maintain the check strap in uniform contact with the friction fingers throughout movement of the strap to thereby uniformly brake the picker stick.

It is another object of this invention to provide lubricating means movable with the check strap along the guide elements and engageable therewith to facilitate free longitudinal movement of the check strap relative to the guide elements.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a front side elevation of a portion of a loom lay showing a first form of the improved picker stick check mounted thereon;

Figure 2 is a sectional plan view taken substantially along line 22 in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view, mostly in elevation, taken substantially along line 33 in Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a view similar to the central portion of Figure 3 showing a modified form of supporting bracket for the proximal ends of the guide rod sections and being taken substantially along line 44 in Figure 5;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 55 in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 1 showing a second form of the picker stick check; 1

Figure 7 is a sectional plan view taken substantially along line 7-7 in Figure 6;

Figure 8 is an enlarged vertical sectional view, mostly in elevation, taken substantially along line 88 in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is an isometric view of a third form of the improved picker stick check in which the lay and picker stick are omitted, and showing the friction device and the means for supporting the rigid guide elements partially in section;

Figure 10 is an enlarged longitudinal vertical sectional view, mostly in elevation, being taken substantially along line 10-10 in Figure 9 and showing how the proximal ends of the rigid guide elements are supported;

Figure 11 is a plan view similar to Figure 7 illustrating still another form of means for supporting the proximal ends of the rigid guide elements;

Figure 12 is a fragmentary elevation taken substantially along line 12-12 in Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a fragmenary vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 13-13 in Figure 12.

The several forms of the invention illustrated in the drawings each embodies a substantially U-shaped check strap, preferably made from leather and whose opposite end portions are loosely penetrated by respective substantially vertically spaced and rigidly supported guide elements in the form of rod sections. The first form of the invention shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3 is shown in association with a lay, one end of which is shown indicated at 10 in Figure l. The lay 10 is provided with the usual slot, not shown, through which the upper portion of a picker stick 11 loosely extends. The picker stick is provided with a picker 12 on its upper end for engaging the usual shuttle, not shown.

A rear portion of the end of the lay 10 shown in Figure 1 has a suitable check strap friction means thereon which may be of conventional or any desired construction and is shown as being of a type such as is disclosed in a pending application of Otis L. Carter, Serial No. 620,989, filed November 7, 1956, now Patent No. 2,817,368, and entitled Picker Stick Check. In this instance, the friction unit comprises an inner bracket 15 and an outer bracket 16, the inner bracket 15 being suitably secured to the lay 10 and the outer bracket 16 being suitably adjustably secured to the inner bracket 15 by means not disclosed in the present drawings, but being clearly shown in said pending application.

The inner bracket comprises a pair of spaced substantially vertical fingers 20, 21, each of which is provided with an outwardly projecting foot portion 22 thereon for supporting the corresponding side portion of the check strap to be later described. The outer friction bracket 16 is in the form of a plate having a curved inner surface 23 which is formed so as to be between the horizontal planes of the fingers 20, 21. The plate forming the bracket 16 is preferably substantially the same width as the distance between the outer surfaces of the fingers 20, 21 as best shown in Figure 2. As disclosed in said pending application, the outer friction bracket 16 may be adjusted toward and away from the fingers 20, 21 of the inner bracket 15 in order to vary the amount of friction pressure against the check strap extending therebetween.

The first form of check strap is broadly designated at 25 and is shown as being substantially U-shaped in plan to form arcuate end portions or arms 26, 27 and an elongated side portion 34 In the interests of economy the check strap 25 is shown as being made from a single ply of pliable material, such as leather, the two ends of which are connected by a pliable retaining or tie strap 32 attached thereto by suitable fastening means 33, 34 which may be in the form'of rivets. The tie strap may be made from any suitable material such as fabric or a low-grade leather as compared to the leather from which the check strap is made, to further minimize the cost of manufacture of the improved picker stick check. The tie strap 32 unites the ends of the checkstrapand confinesv them against outward movement relative to each other with the result that movement of one end of the check strapcauses :corresponding movement of the other end. Consequently the strap moves uniformly through the friction device.

The rivets 33,34-also serve to secure helper straps 35, 3.6. to the end portions 26, 27 of the check strap 25. The helper straps 35, 36 are preferably of substantially the same width as the check strap 25 and'extend across and within the curved end portions 26, 27, respectively, with their free ends engaging the side portion 30' of: the check strap, and being tapered thereat so as to slide against the inner surface of theside. portion 30-. The structure and function of the helper straps. 35, 36 are similar to'that of the helper Straps shown in Patents Nos. 2,374,042; and 2,682,896.

Now, in order to support the check strap so. as topermit the same. to. move. smoothly and without being encumbered by means other than the friction device 15, 16 with a. portion of the movement of the picker stick 11 as it approaches the, end of each stroke thereof, the outer portions, of the end.- portions 26., 27 of the check strap 25, remote from the side. portion 30 thereof, have: respective pairs. of upper and lower apertures, slots or openings 40, 41 and 42, 43 therein which are loosely penetrated by respective rigid elongated guidev elements or rod sections 44, 45 and 46, 47. The. helper straps35, 36' arealso provided with respective. pairs of upper and lower openings, apertures. or slots 50, Stand 52, 53- through which the rod sections 44, 45 and 4.6, 47 also loosely extend.

It will be noted that the rod sections 44, 45 extend in substantially parallel spaced relationship with their outer ends being interconnected by a bridging portion 54. The outer ends of the rod sections 46', 47 are also interconnected by bridging portion 55. Thus, the rod sections 44, 45 are, collectively, of substantially U-shaped form, as are the rod sections 46, 47. The proximal ends of the rod sections 44 through 47 are rigidly supported for longitudinal adjustment by various means, different forms of said means being shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3;; 4 and 5;- 6, 7 and 8; 9 and 10; and 11', 12 and 13, respectively.

In Figures 1, 2 and 3, the proximal ends of the rod sections 4'4 through 47 are shown as supported by a split or two-piece bracket broadly designated at 60 and comprising inner and outer plates or parts 61, 62. The inner and outer plates or parts 61, 62 are provided with upper and lower complementary grooves 63, 614 in the proximal surfaces thereof for receiving the proximal ends of the rod sections 44, 46 and 45, 47 therein, respectively. The proximal ends of said rod sections are clampingly secured in the grooves 63', 64 of the plates 61, 62 by a bolt 65' having a washer 8' and nut 9 thereon. The bolt65 alsoserves to secure the bracket 6.0 to the. lower portion of a suitable hanger 66 which extends upwardly and is suitably secured, to the lay 10, as at 67., g

It is apparent, that. the rod sections 4.4, 45, 46. and 4.7 may be adjusted. longitudinally of the lay and. relative to the bracket. 6.0 by loosening the. nut 9 on the'bolt 65'and,. after adjustment of the rod sections 44,. 45 and/01 46,, 47, the nut 9 may then. be tightened on the bolt 65 tothereby. rigidly support the rod sections 44 through 47'.

A suitable lubricant, such as tallow or petroleum jelly, may be applied to the guide elements 45 through 47- to minimize friction between them and the check strap with its helper straps 35, 36.

It. is thus seen that, as the. picker stick moves ineither direction longitudinallyof the lay 10, when it initiallyengages either of the helper straps or 36,. it merely causes the check strap. 25 to move therewith along the corresponding rod sections 44 through, 47 and the clearancebetween the walls of the openings 40, 41,. 42, 43', 50,. 51, 52 and 53 and the corresponding rod sections 44' 4 through 47 is such that the picker stick will cause the check strap to move freely on the corresponding rod sections. The friction device, including the members 15 and 16, provides the necessary checking action and the rod sections guide and stabilize the check strap 25 uniformly through the friction device during inward and outward movement of the check strap 25 longitudinally of the lay 10.

The rod sections are adjustable primarily for economy in mass production of the improved picker stick check; that is, the length of stroke of the picker stick may vary on different looms, and the position of the friction device (15 and 16) as well as the hanger (66) may vary relative to the range of movement of the picker stick on different looms. Thus, adjustment of the double guide elements facilitates manufacture of the improved picker stick check, in quantity, equipped with guide elements or rods, which are all of substantially the same length. In some instances, either or both ends of the check strap may be thrown against the loop or bridging portions 54, 55 connecting adjacent rod sections and the bridging portions 54, 55 serve to maintain the check strap on. the double guide elements, and also to maintain the guide elements in parallel relation toeach other.

Although double-ended check straps are shown in the illustrations of various forms of the improved picker stick check, it is apparent that endless check straps may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is further contemplated that the pairs of apertures 40, 41.; 42, 43; 50; 5-1;; and 52, 53 may each be inthe form ofv a slot for accommodating. the rod sections 44' through 47, and that the guide elements need not necessarily be vertically arranged but may be arranged in any desired angular relation to: each other. It is also contemplated that more or less guide elements may be provided.

as desired to guide thecheck strap and uniformly brake the picker stick.

Modified form of guide rod support The modified form of guide rod support shown inFigures 4 and 5 may be readily substituted for the form: shownin- Figures 1, 2 and 3 Accordingly, only the proximal! ends. of the. guide rod sections are shown in. Figure 4 and these and. the other parts shall bear the same reference characters as they do in Figures 1,v 2 and 3 with the prime notation added. The guide rod' support is shown in Figures 4 and 5 in the form of a'bifurcatcct block or bracket broadly designated at 60- and isprovided with a pair of upper and lower longitudinally or substane tially horizontally extending holes 63", 64'. A longitudinally extending slot 68' is also provid'edwhich extends from the upper end of the bracket 60, bisects. the hole 63' andterminatesin communication with the bottom hole64'. A bolt 65- extends through the block or bracket 60', preferably on the same level as the hole 63', or adjacent the upper edge of. the block 60', and also extends through a lower portion of a hanger 66. which may be the same as the hanger 66 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

It is apparent that, when the nut 9- is loosened on the' bolt 65, the rod. sections 44 through 47 may be adjusted independently of each other longitudinally of their respective axes. Thereupon, the nut 9 may be tightened on the screw or bolt 65 to force the upper portions of the block 60, defined by the slot 63, toward each other to thereby clamp at least the upper rod sections 44, 46' in the bracket 60.

In, all other respects, the picker stick check with which the bracket 60' is used may be identical to' that shown in Figures 1', 2 and 3 and, accordingly, a further detailed illustration and. description thereof is deemed unnecessary.

Second form of picker stick check The second form ofgpicker stick check is shown in seasons the loom with which it is associated are substantially the same as those shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the same reference characters will apply to the parts of the loom and the friction apparatus in Figures 6 and 7 as are applied to like parts in Figures 1, 2 and 3, with the small letter a affixed thereto, in order to avoid repetitive description. The check strap shown in Figures 6 and 7 is broadly designated at a and is shown as being of multi-ply or two-ply construction, wherein the plies thereof may be suitably secured together, such as by stitching or by a suitable adhesive. The first form of check strap 25 may also be of two-ply or multi-ply construction if desired.

Like the first form of check strap 25, the check strap 25a is provided with opposed outwardly extending end portions 26a, 27a and a side portion 30a so the check strap 25a is substantially U-shaped in plan. The arms formed by the end portions 26a, 27a extend outwardly and the two plies preferably have a rigid reinforcing platelike member 70, preferably made from fiberboard or plastic, positioned therebetween at opposed ends thereof. Suitable fastening means, such as rivets 71, are provided for securing opposite ends of the plies of the check strap to opposite sides of the respective reinforcing plate members 70. The rivets 71 also serve to secure cushion strap members or flaps a, 36a to the proximal or inner surfaces of the multi-ply or two-ply end portions 26a, 27a, respectively, of the check strap 25a.

The free ends of the end portions 26a, 27a of the check strap 25a are also retained in predetermined spaced relationship by a pliable retaining membe or retaining strap or tie 32a which is preferably made from a heavy or multi-ply fabric. Opposite ends of the retaining strap 32a fit in notches 73 formed in the outer corners of the helper straps 35a, 36a and are secured to the outer free ends of the end portions 26a, 27a of the check strap 25a by means of hook-shaped bolts 74. The hooked proximal ends of the bolts 74 penetrate proximal end portions of the retaining strap 32a and the straight portions of the bolts 74 penetrate corresponding ends of the helper straps 35a, 36a and the end portions 26a, 27a of the check strap 25a. The distal ends of the bolts 74 each has a suitable nut 76 threaded thereon, preferably of the self-locking type. I

As in the case in the first form of picker stick check, the end portions 26a, 27a of the check strap 25a and the helper strap members 35a, 36a are suitably apertured for loosely receiving respective upper and lower guide rod sections 44a, 45a and 46a, 47a whose outer ends are connected by respective bridging portions 54a, 55a. Thus, the guide rod sections 44a, 45a are substantially U-shaped, as are the guide rod sections 46a, 47a, when taken collectively. Since the check strap 25a and the helper straps 35a, 36a move freely longitudinally of the rod sections 44a and 47a, suitable resilient bumper means 8%, 81, which are preferably in the form of strips of leather, may be mounted on the respective pairs of rod sections 44a, 45a, and 46a, 47a, adjacent the respective bridging portions 54a, 55a, to prevent damage to the end portions of the check strap 25a in the event they are caused to move to that extent during operation of the loom.

The proximal ends of the rod portions or sections 44a through 47:: may be rigidly supported by the lay, for longitudinal adjustment relative thereto, by any of the different forms of such means illustrated in the annexed drawings. In this instance the proximal ends of the said rod sections are supported by a split or two-piece bracket broadly designated at 60a and comprising inner and outer plates or parts 61a, 62a. The inner and outer plates 61a, 62a, like the plates 61, 62, are provided with upper and lower complementary grooves 63a, 64a in the proximal surfaces thereof for receiving the proximal ends of the respective rod sections 44a, 46a and 45a, 47a.

The supporting means comprising bracket 6th: difiers from the supporting means comprising bracket 60 of the first form of the invention, in that the proximal surfaces of the plates 61a, 62a of the bracket 60a may engage each other so the rod sections may be moved within the complementary grooves 63a, 64a without loosening the nut 9a on a bolt 65a which secures the two plates 61a, 62a together. In this instance, the bolt 65a extends through the plates 61a, 62a between the proximal ends of the upper rod sections 44a, 46a, as best shown in Figure 8. The rod sections 44a, 45a and 46a, 47a may be adjusted longitudinally of their axes relative to the bracket 6% and held in the desired adjusted position by means of screws or pins 83, 84 (Figure 8).

It will be noted that the proximal ends of the lower rod sections 45a, 47a are provided with respective grooves or notches 85, 86 in their free ends for receiving the screws 83, 84. It is apparent that, in order to increase the distance between the bridging portions 54a, 55a extending between the respective rod sections 44a, 45a and 46a, 47a the pins 83, 84 may be removed, the rod sections 44a, 45a and 46a, 47a moved outwardly and the pins 83, 84 then inserted in the plates 61a, 62a in engagement with the innermost of the notches 85, 86. It is further apparent that more than two of such notches 85, 86 may be provided and only one of the sets of guide rod sections need be adjusted relative to the other, if desired.

It will be noted that the bolt 65a also serves to secure the bracket 60a to the lower portion of a suitable hanger 66a which extends upwardly and is suitably secured to the lay 10 as at 67a. In order to obviate the necessity of using plates 61a, 62a which are exceptionally large as compared to the lower portion of the hanger 66a to accommodate the pins or screws 83, 84, it will be noted that the lower edge of the hanger 66a terminates above the level of the screws or pins 83, 84. This is also the reason why it is desirable that the bolt 65a extends between the proximal ends of the upper rod sections 44a, 46a. The proximal ends of the upper rod sections 44a, 46a may terminate short of the free ends of the lower rod sections 45a, 47a to accommodate the bolt 65a. Since the second form of picker stick check operates in the same manner of the first form of picker stick check, a further description of its operation is deemed unnecessary.

Third form of picker stick check With the exception of the manner in which the guide members for the check strap are constructed and supported, the third form of picker stick check is shown as being substantially the same as the second form shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8. Accordingly, those parts shown in Figures 9 and 10 which are substantially the same as, or identical to, parts shown in Figures 6 and 7 will hear the same reference characters with the small letter "1) being substituted for the small lettter a where applicable and the small letter 12 will also be aifixed to those numerals which do not have a sufiix in Figures 6 and 7 to apply to like parts shown in Figures 9 and 10.

In Figure 9, it will he noted that opposite end portions 26b, 27b of the check straps 25b and the respective helper straps 35b, 36b are loosely penetrated by common upper and lower spaced rods or elongated rigid guide elements 90, 91. The guide rods 91 are preferably separate and independent elements as shown in Figure 9 and their opposite end portions have respective resilient shockabsorbing members b, 81b loosely mounted thereon and extending therebetween, these elements 8%, 81b also preferably being made from strips of leather. Metal plates 83 and 559 also extend between the ends of the guide rods 9t 91, the plates 83, 39 being positioned outwardly of the resilient members 8%, 81b and serving to maintain the rods 90, 91 in parallel relation to each other. The cushion elements 80b, 81b and plates 88, 89 are retained on the upper and lower rods 90, 91 by suitable retaining means shown in the form of nuts 92, 93

a threaded onto opposite ends of the respective guide rods 90, 91. Medial portions of the guide rods 90, 91 are knurled, serrated, threaded, or roughened,. as at 94, 95, respectively. The serrated portions 94, 95 of the respective rods 90, 91 fit in mating complementary grooves 96, 97 provided in the proximal surfaces of plates or blocks 61b, 62b ofa two-piece or two-part bracket broadly designated at b. In all other respects the bracket 60b and hanger 665 may be substantially the same as the bracket 60 and hanger 66 of the first form of the inven tion. As best shown in Figure 10, the bolt b, which clamps the plates 61b, 6215 together and also secures the same to the hanger 66b, extends through the plates 61b,

6212 between the grooves 96, 97 and serrated portions 94, p

95 of the respective guide rods 90, 91.

It is apparent that the position of the guide rods 90, 91 may be varied relative to the bracket 6% by loosening the nut on the bolt 65b sufficiently to permit the plates 61b, 62b to be moved apart from each other sufficiently to move the walls of the internally threaded or serrated grooves 96, 97 out of engagement with the serrated portions 94, 95 of the respective guide rods 90, 91. It is apparent that the rods 90, 91 may be then moved longitudinally of their respective axes relative to the bracket 6%, after which the plates 61b, 62b may be fastened together by the bolt 65b.

Although the bracket 60b is shown in the form of two plates or members clamped together by a bolt 65b, it is apparent that the rods 90, 91 may be threaded adjacent their medial portions and corresponding threaded holes I provided in the bracket 60!] and, in this instance, the bracket 6012 may be of one-piece construction without departing from the spirit of the invention. The position of the rods 90, 91 relative to the bracket 60b would be then determined by rotating the rods 90, 91. It is also contemplated that the rods 90 and 91 need be threaded only adjacent the ends of a bracket 60b of one-piece construction provided with slightly oversize longitudinal bores for reception of the rods 90, 91. Suitable lock nuts may thenbe threaded on each of the guide rods 90,91 and tightened against each end of the bracket to secure the guide rods against movement relative to the bracket.

Fourth form of picker stick check in Figures ll, 12 and 13, a fourth form of the improved and the means for adjustably securing the rod sections to the bracket. Accordingly, all parts shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13 which are identical to, or substantially the same as, parts shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8 will bear the same reference characters with the small letter c substituted for the small letter a where applicable and those numerals in Figures 6, 7 and 8 which do not have a sufix applied thereto will also apply to like parts in Figures ll, 12 and 13 with the small letter c afiixed thereto, to avoid repetitive description.

As previously explained herein a suitable lubricant is preferably applied to the guide elements to facilitate free movement of the check strap relative thereto. According to this form of invention the reinforcing members 700 between the plies of the check strap 25c extend beyond or across and are penetrated by the guide elements 44c through 47c. By forming the member c of nylon or other suitable self-lubricating material it is clear that selflubricating bearing means may be provided which eliminates the need for additional lubrication and permits free movement of the check strap on the guide elements. This modification is of course applicable to the other forms of' invention.

It will be noted. that the block or bracket 60c shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13 is of one-piece construction and has a pair of vertically spaced bores or holes 100, 101 ex- 8. V tending substantially horizontally therethrough for receiviug the proximal ends of the upper and lower rod sections 440, 46c and 450, 47c, respectively. As is the case with the form of the invention shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8, the bolt 65c extends through the bracket 60c between the proximal ends of the upper rod sections 44c, 46c and is fastened to the lower portion of the hanger 66c. Also, the l wer end of the hanger 66c, terminates above the horizontal plane of the proximal ends of the lower rod sections 45c, 470 to provide space for a pair of set screws 102, 103. Tl e set screws 102, 103 are threaded into the outer surface of the block or bracket 60c and are adapted to engage respective notches or slots 104, 105 provided in the proximal ends of the lower rod sections 45c, 47c as shown in Figures 9 and ll. In this instance, the screws 102, 103 are shown in engagement with the outermost of the notches 104, 105 in the respective lower rod sections 45c, 47c, and it is apparent that these screws 102, 103 may be loosened, and either or both of the sets of rod sections 44c, 45c and 460, 470 may be adjusted outwardly with respect to the block or bracket 60c to aline another of the notches 104, 105 with the corresponding screws 102, 103 after which the screws 102, 103 are driven home. Although the proximal portions of the lower rod sections 5 45c, 470 are shown as provided with only two notches therein, it is apparent that a greater number of notches may be provided, as desired, without departing from the spirit of the invention. Since the structure shown in Figures ll, 12 and 13 is substantially the same as the structure shown in Figures 6, 7 and 8 in all other respects, a further detailed description of its construction and method of operation is deemed unnecessary.

It is thus seen that I have provided an improved picker stick check wherein a supporting means is provided for the two end portions of an endless or double-ended check strap which will stablize the check strap while permitting movement of the check strap with the picker stick so as to provide a minimum of wear to the check strap; so a relatively short check strap may be used and guided uniformly through a suitable type of friction means for applying the desired amount of friction to the movement of the check strap.

In the drawings and specification there have been set forth preferred embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. In a loom having a lay, a swinging picker stick extending through the lay; the combination of a picker stick check comprising a check strap disposed in the path of travel of the picker stick and engageable thereby, vertically spaced elongated guide elements loosely penetrating the check strap to one side of the path of travel of the picker stick, and means supporting said guide elements longitudinally of said lay whereby the check strap is movable along the guide elements under impetus of the picker stick.

2. A picker stick check for a loom of the type having a lay, a reciprocal picker stick loosely extending through the lay, friction fingers supported by and depending from one side of the lay and at least one of said fingers having a substantially horizontally projecting foot portion there on; said picker stick check comprising a pliable check strap extending between said friction fingers and resting and being movable upon said foot portion, said check strap being disposed in the path of travel of said picker stick and engageable thereby to limit reciprocating movement of the picker stick, a plurality of elongated guide elements extending substantially parallel to and supported by said lay out of the path of travel of the picker stick, and said guide elements loosely extending through said check strap whereby movement of the check strap under impetus of the picker stick is stabilized to maintain the check strap in alinement with the friction fingers and permit uniform braking of the picker stick.

3. Apparatus for guiding a check strap of a picker stick check associated with the lay of a loom comprising upper and lower vertically spaced elongated guide elements loosely penetrating opposed portions of the check strap, and means supporting said guide elements longitudinally of the lay of the loom.

4. In a loom having an oscillatable lay, a picker stick at one end of said lay movable inwardly and outwardly with respect to the loom, a check strap friction device movable with said lay and a check strap extending through said friction device and about the path of travel of the picker stick to limit inward and outward movement of the picker stick relative to the loom, the combination of at least two substantially vertically spaced, substantially parallel elongated guide rod-s supported in fixed relation to said lay and extending substantially parallel to said lay out of the path of travel of the picker stick, opposed portions of said check strap being provided with openings therein through which said guide rods loosely extend and on which the check strap is movable longitudinally of the guide rods whereby said guide rods maintain the check strap in substantial alinement with the friction device as movement in imparted to the check strap by engagement of the picker stick therewith.

5. A structure according to claim 3 wherein means are provided facilitating adjustment of the guide elements longitudinally of their respective axes relative to the supporting means therefor.

6. In a loom having a lay, a picker stick having an.

upper portion movable longitudinally of at least one end of said lay, a friction device carried by and depending from one side of said lay and a pliable check strap extending through said friction device and about the path of travel of the picker stick; the combination therewith of a plurality of elongated guide rods loosely extending through opposed portions of said check strap, a bracket carried by the lay and located between said opposed portions of the check strap out of the path of travel of the picker stick, and means adjustably connecting the bracket to the proximal portions of the guide rods between said opposed portions of the check strap.

7. A structure according to claim 6 wherein said bracket is at least partially split longitudinally thereof to define opposed side portions between which said proximal portions of the guide rods are disposed, and said adjustable connecting means includes means for clamping said opposed side portions of the bracket against guide rods extending therebetween.

8. A structure according to claim 7 in which said means for adjustably connecting said proximal portions of the guide rods to the bracket includes a roughened surface on said proximal portions of said guide rods engageable by said opposed side portions of the bracket.

9. A structure according to claim 7 wherein said bracket is provided with longitudinally extending bores communicating with its opposite ends for the reception of said guide rods, and wherein said bores are bisected by the longitudinal split in said bracket.

10. A structure according to claim 3 wherein said check strap includes a tie strap extending between opposed portions of the check strap in spaced parallel relation to said guide elements.

11. In a loom having a lay, a reciprocable picker stick, a continuous check strap disposed in the path of travel of the picker stick and engageable thereby, a plurality of elongated guide rods disposed out of the path of travel of the picker stick and loosely penetrating opposed portions of the check strap, and means supporting said guide rods longitudinally of the lay whereby the check strap is movable along the guide rods under impetus of the picker stick.

12. In a loom having a lay, a reciprocable picker stick, and a check strap disposed in the path of travel of the picker stick and engageable thereby to limit reciprocable movement of the picker stick; guide means for the check strap comprising a plurality of elongated rods disposed out of the path of travel of the picker stick and loosely penetrating opposed portions of the check strap, and means supporting said guide rods in spaced parallel relation longitudinally of said lay whereby movement of the check strap under impetus of the picker stick is limited to a direction longitudinally of the lay.

13. A structure according to claim 12 wherein the guide rods comprise a pair of U-shaped members having legs and web portions, the web portions of said U-shaped members defining the distal ends of the guide rods and the legs of each U-shaped member being axially alined with the corresponding legs of the other U-shaped member.

14. A structure according to claim 12 wherein the means for supporting the guide rods longitudinally of the lay comprise a hanger depending from the lay, a bracket comprising a pair of opposed clamping plates positioned about the proximal portions of the guide rods, and a bolt penetrating said clamping plates and engaged with said hanger.

15. A structure according to claim 12 wherein the means for supporting the guide rods longitudinally of the lay comprise a hanger depending from the lay, a bracket provided with longitudinal first and second bores therethrough for the reception of the guide rods, the bracket being split longitudinally through the first bore and into the second bore, and a bolt extending transversely through the bracket and secured to the hanger.

16. A structure according to claim 12 wherein the means for supporting the guide rods longitudinally of the lay comprise a hanger depending from the lay, a bracket provided with longitudinal bores therethrough for the reception of said guide rods and transverse bores therethrough communicating with at least one of said longitudinal bores for the reception of set screws engageable with said guide rods to prevent longitudinal movement of the guide rods relative to the bracket, and a bolt penetrating said bracket and secured to the hanger.

17. A structure according to claim 12 wherein the means for supporting'the guide rods longitudinally of the lay comprise a hanger depending from the lay, a bracket comprising a pair of clamping plates each provided with longitudinally extending grooves in their proximal surfaces adapted to register with each other to define passageways for the reception of the guide rods, said grooves and the proximal portions of the guide rods being provided with mating serrated surfaces and a bolt penetrating said clamping plates and secured to the hanger.

18. A structure according to claim 13 wherein bumper means are mounted on the guide rods and disposed inwardly of the U-shaped distal ends thereof.

19. A structure according to claim 12 wherein selflnbricating means are carried by the check strap in engagement with the guide rods to facilitate longitudinal movement of the check strap on the guide rods.

No references cited. 

